Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde revealed on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a neurological condition affecting facial muscles and speech. The illness has hindered his ability to speak for extended periods, preventing him from attending recent cabinet meetings and public events.
Munde also disclosed that he underwent surgery on both his eyes a fortnight ago under the guidance of Padma Shri Dr. T.P. Lahane. In a post on X, he stated that post-surgery care required him to avoid strong light, dust, and sunlight.
"Meanwhile, I was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Treatment is underway under the guidance of Dr. Arun Shah at Reliance Hospital. Due to this condition, I am currently unable to speak properly for even two minutes continuously," Munde shared. He added that he had informed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar about his health condition and assured that he would return to his duties once he recovers.
Bell’s palsy is a temporary disorder that causes sudden facial paralysis, often worsening within 48 hours. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, its exact cause remains unknown, though it is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Lyme disease. Most patients recover within weeks to months with proper treatment.
